Cherokee County Health and Rehab Center notified WEIS Radio News that a resident of the facility has tested positive for COVID-19. In a statement issued to us by Administrator Brad Hinton, he stated that his staff is working closely with local and state health officials to provide the best possible care for this individual and stated that they are making the resident as comfortable as possible under the circumstances.
Hinton said that they are working in conjunction with all appropriate authorities and taking every necessary measure to minimize the threat to all of other residents and staff and will continue to do so until the coronavirus threat has subsided.
During the weekly COVID-19 News Conference hosted by the Cherokee County Emergency Management Agency – Cherokee County EMA Director Shawn Rogers stated that there are currently at total of 30 cases of Coronavirus in Cherokee County. Out of the 30 cases, 11 of those are currently active.
Director Rogers said that there have been 11 people test positive for COVID-19 in Cherokee County in the last 14 days and 192 people tested in the last 14 days. The good news, zero illness related deaths in Cherokee County.
Testing for COVID-19 is available at Main Street Urgent Care in Centre or you can contact your healthcare provider. There has been 489 people tested in Cherokee County so far. If you have been exposed or have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, it is recommended that you self-quarantine for a period of 14 days to help slow the spread of the virus.
Statement from Brad Hinton, Cherokee County Health & Rehab Administrator;
Cherokee County Health and Rehabilitation Center and its staff have worked especially hard to protect our residents during this pandemic. At this time, we are reporting our first positive resident COVID-19 case.
We want to express our heartfelt concern for our resident who tested positive for this virus. Our team of dedicated health care professionals is working closely with local and state health officials to provide the best possible care for this individual. We are making the resident as comfortable as possible under the circumstances.
Coronavirus is a particularly dangerous virus for the elderly, and we all know that a great many nursing home residents are not just older but also more frail than the general population. While our center, like so many others, has taken all appropriate measures to limit the spread of the virus, it was not possible to eliminate all risk of it finding its way inside our doors. Now that it has done so, we are working to the extent possible to keep it from spreading further.
We fully recognize how difficult this time is for our residents and for their loved ones, who have been restricted from any contact with beloved family members. Working in conjunction with all appropriate authorities, we are doing everything we can to minimize the threat to all of our residents and staff and will continue to do so until the coronavirus threat has subsided.
To our families, thank you for your patience and understanding. We will continue to communicate with you on any changes to your loved ones. To our community, thank you for your continued support and prayers. We are all in this together and we appreciate you all.